Clamp for a transition of a multiple fiber cable

Abstract

A clamp comprising; two sections 12, 12 hinged together for closure toward each other and onto an exterior of a divisible, multiple fiber cable 2, friction surfaces 24, 24 of the sections 12, 12 are adapted for engaging along an exterior of a first portion 25 of the multiple fiber cable 2, and the exteriors of tubing 27, 27 extending over single optical fibers 3, 3 that project from the multiple fiber cable 2.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for providing a transition of a multiple fiber cable to single fiber cable, comprising the steps of: extending uncut at least one unsheathed optical fiber and a group of multiple strength members of a multiple fiber cable from a remainder of the multiple fiber cable,   inserting the optical fiber and the group of strength members extending uncut from the multiple fiber cable along an interior of hollow tubing, and   clamping and enclosing an end of the multiple fiber cable and an end of the hollow tubing with a clamping enclosure.   
     
     
       2. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of, preventing progressive advance of a split along the cable by mounting the clamp on the exterior only of the multiple fiber cable. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of; interlocking the sections together. 
     
     
       4. A clamp comprising; two sections hinged together for closure toward each other and onto an exterior of a divisible, multiple fiber cable, frictional surfaces along interior facing surfaces of the sections adapted for engaging along an exterior of a first portion of the multiple fiber cable, the clamp covering the exterior for holding the first portion together, single optical fibers of the multiple fiber cable extending uncut along corresponding tubing and optical connectors on the single optical fibers. 
     
     
       5. A clamp as recited in claim 4, wherein the frictional surfaces extend across longitudinally extending optical fibers of the cable and a longitudinally extending groove of the cable. 
     
     
       6. A clamp as recited in claim 4, and further comprising: interlocking portions of the two sections retain the two sections clamped on the cable.   
     
     
       7. A clamp as recited in claim 4, wherein the frictional surfaces are serrations. 
     
     
       8. A clamp as recited in claim 4, wherein a third portion of the cable extends unsplit from the first portion. 
     
     
       9. A method for using a clamp of the type as recited in claim 4, comprising the steps of: laying two, single fiber cables through corresponding entryways of one of the sections and over the corresponding frictional surace of said one of the sections,   closing the two sections of the clamp together until the two sections latch together, whereby portions of the two, single fiber cables are covered by the clamp, and are held together in the clamp.